Why in news:

• The Border Security Force (BSF) has launched a mobile app to ease the process of booking tickets for tourists from all over the world for the retreat ceremony parade at the Attari-Wagah border joint check post (JCP) between India and Pakistan in Amritsar.

Key Points:

• The App, BSF Attari, which aims to ease the process of booking tickets for tourists all over the world, was launched by BSF director general (DG) SL Thaosen.
• Border Security Force has launched the mobile application almost a month-and-a-half after launching a website to facilitate online booking of tickets for ‘Beating Retreat Ceremony’ at JCP Attari in Amritsar.
• The website ensures security at the venue and convenience for the audience, who can book their seats at the stadium arena. The website is in use and more people are booking and reserving their seats at the venue. In course of time, only those who have booked their seats through the website/app will be allowed to visit the stadium/arena at JCP Attari
• According to the Border Security Force spokesperson, the App contains basic information like timings of the Retreat ceremony, link for location of place, nearby tourist places and all features available on the website attari.bsf.gov.in.
• The daily military exercise carried out jointly by the Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers draws scores of spectators from far and wide every day. On weekdays, around 25,000 tourists visit the border to witness the ceremony while during weekends, the count crosses 30,000.
• Notably, the app is also expected to help keep a check on fleecing by travel agents, who charge tourists exorbitantly to get them a seat reservation.
• It is worth mentioning here that the retreat ceremony began in 1959 and has been a daily practice since then. The ceremony starts at 3.30 pm and around 20,000 people watch it every day.